### Exploring New Horizons for Tech Professionals
As the tech industry faces challenges, many professionals are asking themselves, **‘Is it time to quit?’** A recent weekend conference in San Francisco aimed to encourage techies to consider alternative careers in various trades such as **painting, plumbing, and cabinetry**.

![Techies Considering New Careers](https://sfstandard.com/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.swoogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fmedium%2F4610979-672a73459ab80.png&amp;w=3840&amp;q=75)

### A Shift in Perspective
The event brought together individuals disillusioned with the fast-paced tech world, providing them with resources and insights on transitioning to more traditional trades. Attendees engaged in workshops that highlighted the **skills transferability** from tech to hands-on professions.

### Why the Change?
With layoffs and economic uncertainty affecting the tech landscape, many are seeking stability and fulfillment in more tangible work. This shift reflects a growing trend among professionals who are re-evaluating their career paths and looking for **job satisfaction** outside of the tech bubble.

Join the conversation about the future of work and the opportunities that lie beyond the tech industry!

A weekend conference sought to convert techies to other industries or trades like painting, plumbing, or cabinetry.

Thinking of Leaving Tech? Discover New Paths at This Weekend Conference!

### The Better Butchers and Genuine Taste Join Forces

**The Better Butchers**, a Vancouver-based meat analogue maker, has recently signed a **letter of intent** with **Genuine Taste**, a Toronto startup founded by students, to develop **hybrid meat**. This collaboration comes ahead of The Better Butchers' acquisition by the Canadian cellular agriculture group **Cult Food Science**.

### What is Hybrid Meat?

The partnership aims to create hybrid meat products that blend **cell-cultured ingredients** with **plant-based** or **fermentation-derived proteins**. Genuine Taste specializes in producing cultivated fat from animal cells, which will be used in product development and sampling by The Better Butchers.

![Lab Grown Meat Fat](https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/the-better-butchers-genuine-taste-lab-grown-fat-hybrid-meat-2.jpg)
*Courtesy: Genuine Taste*

### Genuine Taste's Innovative Approach

Founded in 2022 by **Pooya Mamaghani** and **Emily Farrar**, Genuine Taste utilizes stem cells from cows to cultivate fat cells in bioreactors. This innovative method allows for mass production of fat that closely resembles conventional animal fat, improving the taste and texture of meat alternatives.

Currently, Genuine Taste is at the **benchtop scale** and has begun testing its cultivated fat with a **global food corporation** for potential use in burgers. They have successfully raised **$175,000** from various investors and won **C$100,000** in a national competition for their alternative meat innovation.

### The Better Butchers' Vision

The Better Butchers is excited about the potential of cultivated fat to enhance their product offerings. By collaborating with cutting-edge companies, they aim to develop high-end butcher-shop staples like **burgers**, **bacon**, and **sausages**, while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional meat production.

Their current product lineup includes **minced meat** in various flavors, and they are actively involved in research projects with **McMaster University** to further develop cultivated meat technologies.

![The Better Butchers](https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/the-better-butchers-genuine-taste-lab-grown-fat-hybrid-meat-3-1024x576.jpeg)
*Courtesy: The Better Butchers*

### The Future of Hybrid Meat

With the challenges of scalability and cost in cultivated meat production, many believe that hybrid meats may be the key to commercial viability. As the industry evolves, partnerships like that of The Better Butchers and Genuine Taste will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable meat alternatives.

The Better Butchers has signed a letter of intent with Genuine Taste, a student-founded cultivated beef fat startup, to develop hybrid meat.

Revolutionizing Meat: How Student-Led Genuine Taste is Partnering with The Better Butchers for Hybrid Innovations

In this special edition of **Straight Talk Africa**, we delve into the **dynamic world of tech startups in Africa** and their innovative use of **Artificial Intelligence (AI)**. Join us as we explore:

### The Role of Tech Giants
**Tech giants like Google and Microsoft** are stepping up to support African startups in their AI journey. Their contributions are vital in fostering an environment ripe for innovation and growth.

### Founders' Perspectives
Founders from various startups share their insights on the **ethical and strategic applications of AI**. They emphasize the importance of using AI responsibly to drive **sustainable development** and address local challenges.

![AI in Africa](https://gdb.voanews.com/3c4ab149-c5cd-4b8e-a4d7-d4440290fa33_w250_r1.png)

### Key Discussions
- The significance of **ethical AI use** in enhancing business operations.
- Strategies for leveraging AI to improve **efficiency and reach** in the African market.
- How startups are navigating the unique challenges of implementing AI solutions.

This edition not only highlights the **potential of AI** in transforming businesses but also sheds light on the **commitment of tech leaders** to foster a supportive ecosystem for startups across the continent.

In this special edition of Straight Talk Africa we’ll examine how tech startups are using "Artificial Intelligence.” Tech giants, such as Google and Microsoft, weigh in on how they support startups using AI. And founders discuss the importance of ethical and strategic uses of artificial intelligence.


Unleashing Innovation: How African Tech Startups are Harnessing AI

### Understanding Startup Salaries

Once a startup successfully raises its **seed round**, the critical question arises: **How much should founders pay themselves and their initial team?** Recent analysis by [Kruze Consulting](https://kruzeconsulting.com), a CPA firm focusing on venture-backed startups, sheds light on salary ranges for over **450 seed-stage startups**.

### Key Salary Insights

According to Kruze, the following are the average salaries for founder executives:
- **CEO:** $132,000
- **CTO:** $134,000
- **COO/Operations:** $135,000
- **Product/CPO:** $149,000

Interestingly, **technical engineering and product roles** generally command higher salaries than the CEO. Notably, the COO position can sometimes indicate a third co-founder role, which may raise eyebrows among seed VCs regarding budget management.

### Competitive Salaries for Engineers

In the competitive landscape of the Bay Area, senior engineers can earn between **$180,000 to $235,000**, while entry-level engineers average **$75,000 to $105,000**. Founders typically increase their salaries as funding rounds progress, averaging **$183,000 after Series A** and **$218,000 by Series B**.

### Starting Salaries for Initial Hires

For initial hires, the starting salaries vary significantly:
- **Engineering (Midlevel):** $100,000 to $145,000 (Bay Area); $90,000 to $130,000 (Other tech hubs)
- **Sales (Midlevel):** $80,000 to $110,000 (Bay Area); $70,000 to $100,000 (Other)
- **Product Titles:** $130,000 to $185,000 (Bay Area); $110,000 to $175,000 (Other)
- **Marketing (Midlevel):** $100,000 to $175,000 (Bay Area); $80,000 to $145,000 (Other)

### Equity Compensation

In addition to salaries, employees often receive equity, which is a major draw for joining startups. According to data from **Carta**, the expected equity for the first five hires is:
- **First hire:** 0.5% to 4% equity (median 1.49%)
- **Second:** 0.3% to 2% equity (median 0.85%)
- **Third:** 0.21% to 1.2% equity (median 0.50%)
- **Fourth:** 0.18% to 1% equity (median 0.44%)
- **Fifth:** 0.13% to 0.8% equity (median 0.34%)

This data provides valuable insights into how startups navigate **salary structures** and employee compensation as they scale. 

*This story originally published December 2, 2024.*

Once a startup has raised its seed round, the perennial question becomes how much should the founders pay themselves and their first few employees? Kruze

Unlocking Startup Salaries: How Much Do Seed-Stage Founders Really Pay Their Early Employees?

![Thomas Burrus](https://www.citybiz.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thomas-Burrus.jpg)

**Waypoint Bio**, a pioneering spatial biology startup, is making waves by relocating to the **Alexandria Center for Life Science** in New York City. The company has signed a lease for **3,413 square feet** of lab and office space at **430 East 29th St.**, previously operating from the Biolabs Incubator.

Founded in 2021, Waypoint Bio aims to leverage **AI, pooled screening**, and **spatial biology** to enhance drug discovery processes. The co-founders, **Xinchen Wang** and **David Phizicky**, both MIT alumni, have raised **$14.5 million** in seed funding to develop **CAR-T cell therapies** targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases. Wang expressed excitement about their new location, stating, "The Alexandria Center for Life Science is a one-of-a-kind home to world-class pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies."

The Alexandria Center is recognized for fostering innovation within New York City's life science ecosystem, providing a collaborative environment and proximity to leading academic medical institutions. **Thomas Burrus**, JLL Associate Vice President, represented Waypoint Bio in this strategic move, highlighting the growing demand for specialized lab spaces in the area.

### About Waypoint Bio
Waypoint Bio is at the forefront of biotechnology, focusing on **novel cell therapies** for solid tumors through its proprietary **spatial pooled screening technology**. The company has quickly established itself within the biotech community, assembling a team of experts and securing significant funding to propel its mission.

### About JLL
JLL is a global leader in commercial real estate, helping clients navigate their property needs for over **200 years**. With a strong presence in New York's commercial real estate market, JLL continues to support innovative companies like Waypoint Bio in their growth and development.

Pioneering spatial biology startup Waypoint Bio will relocate to the Alexandria Center for Life Science  JLL announced today it has... Read More

Breaking Ground: Waypoint Bio Moves to New York's Premier Lab Space for Innovative Drug Discovery

## Ecolectro's Groundbreaking Approach to Hydrogen Production

A new **startup**, **Ecolectro**, is pioneering a method to **localize hydrogen production** using **shipping container-based electrolyzers**. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a **greener fuel alternative**.

### Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

Unlike **natural gas**, which benefits from extensive pipeline infrastructure, hydrogen lacks similar support. According to **Gabriel Rodriguez-Calero**, Ecolectro’s representative, the company's onsite production solution helps to **mitigate risks** associated with transportation and storage logistics.

### Costly Production Methods

Current hydrogen production methods can be **expensive** due to costly materials used in some electrolyzers and **inefficient outdated technologies**. Ecolectro's method combines two popular approaches: **proton-exchange membrane** and **alkaline electrolysis**. While the former is more expensive, the latter is less efficient.

### Innovative Technology

Ecolectro has developed a membrane capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of alkaline electrolysis, effectively eliminating **PFAS** (toxic forever chemicals) while replacing **iridium and platinum** with more affordable **nickel**. Rodriguez-Calero noted, "You can use **1,000 times the nickel** per amount of iridium without changing the cost."

### Impact on Clean Energy and Job Creation

This new technology comes at a time when the **Department of Energy** is exploring the potential benefits of clean hydrogen. The expanded use of hydrogen could lead to a **10% reduction** in economy-wide emissions by **2050** and create over **100,000 new jobs** by **2030**.

### Current Developments

Ecolectro has successfully built a **10-kilowatt electrolyzer**, producing **5 kilograms of hydrogen daily**, currently being tested by **Liberty Utilities** in Upstate New York. The startup is also developing a **250-kilowatt commercial-scale version**, expected to produce **125 kilograms of green hydrogen daily**, slated for operation by the **first quarter of 2025**.

"While the first option is said to be pricier, the second one is less efficient."

Innovative Startup Ecolectro is Set to Revolutionize Hydrogen Production Using Shipping Containers

Israel is renowned for its vibrant **startup ecosystem**, boasting more **startups and unicorns** per capita than any other nation. However, much of this innovation is concentrated in areas like **Tel Aviv** and **Haifa**, leaving **East Jerusalem** with minimal startup activity among its **predominantly Arab** population of 400,000.

**Mahmoud Khweis**, a notable entrepreneur and former negotiator, aims to change this narrative. In **October 2021**, he established **Techlinic**, the first Palestinian-owned tech firm in East Jerusalem, providing **software development training** to local residents.

![Jinnovate portfolio startups exhibiting in the medical conference International eHealth Forum in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo courtesy of Jinnovate](https://static.israel21c.org/www/uploads/2024/12/Jinnovate_pic_6-768x576.jpeg)

### A Helping Hand
Startups require more than just a great idea to thrive; they need **office space, mentorship, business skills**, and access to **funding**. Khweis highlights the lack of an **innovation ecosystem** in East Jerusalem, stating that there are currently no incubators or sufficient support from local governments.

At **Jinnovate**, the **Jerusalem Innovation Health-Tech Center**, Khweis provides vital resources, mentorship, and training for those with innovative ideas in the health sector, particularly addressing **unmet health needs**. The center has garnered almost **$2.7 million** in funding from the **Israel Innovation Authority**, alongside contributions from **USAID** and the **Jerusalem municipality**.

![Participants in Jinnovate’s Healthtech Leadership Program meet at the ARC Innovation Center of Sheba Medical Center. Photo courtesy of Jinnovate](https://static.israel21c.org/www/uploads/2024/12/Jinnovate_-_Pic_5-768x454.jpg)

### The First Jinnovate Startups
Among the startups nurtured by Jinnovate is **Healers**, which is innovating a new cutting device for thoracic surgeries, greatly reducing infection risks. **Line of Sight** is leveraging AI to improve surgical outcomes during jaw corrections, while **Mirror Digital** focuses on integrating patient records across different management systems. Khweis aims for the first Arab startup **exit** in five years, a notable milestone for the region.

### Innovation in Hospitals
Jinnovate is also initiating a cultural shift in local hospitals, encouraging innovation. Collaborations with leading medical centers like **Sheba** and **Shaare Zedek** are paving the way for the establishment of an **innovation center** within East Jerusalem hospitals, which have historically lacked resources for advanced patient care.

![Mahmoud Khweis, founder of Techlinic and Jinnovate. Photo courtesy of Mahmoud Khweis](https://static.israel21c.org/www/uploads/2024/12/jinnovate_Mahmoud_Khweis-768x732.jpg)

Despite the ongoing challenges, Khweis remains optimistic about fostering a **sustainable startup ecosystem** in East Jerusalem. He believes that with the right support and collaboration, the area can become a hub of **innovation** and **entrepreneurship**.

Meet the local entrepreneur fostering an innovation culture to the predominantly Arab East Jerusalem, in cooperation with major hospitals.

Transforming East Jerusalem: Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Jinnovate's Health-Tech Revolution

### Introduction
At the forefront of the UAE's food security initiatives, **Beyond Farming** is pioneering a sustainable solution for urban agriculture. Launched in November 2024, this innovative startup is leveraging advanced agricultural technologies to tackle food security challenges head-on.

### The Vision Behind Beyond Farming
Founded by **Chris Bolton**, along with **Pedro Silva**, **Ricardo Ferrer**, and **Shawn Kelly**, Beyond Farming aims to provide cities with **reliable access to fresh, sustainably grown local produce**. The startup focuses on **urban indoor vertical farming**, utilizing advanced techniques like **fogponics** to enhance sustainability and profitability.

### Unique Farming Solutions
Beyond Farming offers a **Farm-as-a-Solution (FaaS)** model with two options:
- **We Own**: The company manages the farm operations, generating revenue through sales, leasing, and managed services.
- **You Own**: Clients purchase or lease farming systems and operate them independently, providing the company with a steady revenue stream from equipment sales and ongoing support.

### Rapid Growth and Global Reach
Despite launching only a month ago, Beyond Farming has already demonstrated its capability to produce over **35 different crops** globally. With offices established in **Australia, Canada, Panama, and the USA**, the company is poised for substantial growth driven by increasing global demand for sustainable agriculture.

### Innovative Technology
The startup's **water-neutral fogponics technology** allows for efficient crop production in various urban environments. Their **AI-controlled systems** optimize growth cycles, reduce power consumption, and enhance crop quality, making them ideal for cities looking to boost local food production.

### Community Engagement
Beyond Farming is committed to maintaining a balance between technological advancement and community engagement. They offer **educational programs and workshops** to empower local communities and ensure that users benefit from their innovative solutions. Personalized customer support is also a priority, ensuring clients receive the guidance they need.

### Conclusion
As the UAE strives towards its food security targets, Beyond Farming is set to play a pivotal role in transforming urban agriculture. With their focus on innovation and community, they are not just growing crops; they are cultivating a sustainable future.

"We are driven by the urgent need to provide cities with reliable access to fresh, sustainably grown local produce."

Thinking of Leaving Tech? Discover New Paths at This Weekend Conference!

Summary:

Exploring New Horizons for Tech Professionals

A Shift in Perspective

Why the Change?

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Other Latest News

Revolutionizing Meat: How Student-Led Genuine Taste is Partnering with The Better Butchers for Hybrid Innovations

Unleashing Innovation: How African Tech Startups are Harnessing AI

Unlocking Startup Salaries: How Much Do Seed-Stage Founders Really Pay Their Early Employees?

Breaking Ground: Waypoint Bio Moves to New York's Premier Lab Space for Innovative Drug Discovery

Innovative Startup Ecolectro is Set to Revolutionize Hydrogen Production Using Shipping Containers

Transforming East Jerusalem: Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Jinnovate's Health-Tech Revolution

Revolutionizing Food Security: How Beyond Farming is Transforming Urban Agriculture in the UAE

Other Latest News

Revolutionizing Meat: How Student-Led Genuine Taste is Partnering with The Better Butchers for Hybrid Innovations

Unleashing Innovation: How African Tech Startups are Harnessing AI

Unlocking Startup Salaries: How Much Do Seed-Stage Founders Really Pay Their Early Employees?

Breaking Ground: Waypoint Bio Moves to New York's Premier Lab Space for Innovative Drug Discovery

Innovative Startup Ecolectro is Set to Revolutionize Hydrogen Production Using Shipping Containers

Transforming East Jerusalem: Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Jinnovate's Health-Tech Revolution

Revolutionizing Food Security: How Beyond Farming is Transforming Urban Agriculture in the UAE